Conditions Snapshot
Lake level: 1066.31 feet (4.69 feet below full pool)
Water temperature: 86–88 degrees
Water clarity: Clear on the main lake
Current pattern: Deep summer pattern
Pattern Holding Steady
There hasn’t been much change in the Lake Lanier striper pattern this week. Most of the fish are still holding on creek and river channels in 90–120 feet of water from Big Creek down to the dam.
You may find some fish in main-lake pockets in 50–70 feet of water first thing in the morning, but the deeper creek and river channel pattern remains the most consistent.
Let Your Graph Determine How You Fish
The pattern may be holding steady, but the fish can still move from one day to the next. Trust what you see on your electronics and let the way the fish are grouped determine whether you should stop and drop downlines or keep moving and troll.
Downlines are still the best choice when you find a good group of fish under the boat. Depending on what you see on your electronics, you may need to fish your baits anywhere from 30 to 80 feet deep.
Keep lively herring on the hook and change your bait often. Herring will not last long in the less-oxygenated water at or below the thermocline. If your bait is not active, replace it.
If you are marking scattered singles instead of a concentrated school, trolling may be the better choice. Trolling at 2.5–3 mph allows you to cover more water and put a bait in front of more fish instead of waiting for them to come to you.
A 1.5-ounce Striper Tackle Super Spin Shad in white/white or chartreuse/chartreuse glitter, pulled seven to nine colors back, continues to be a good lead-core option. The Hawg Spoon on your lead-core setup will work as well.
Power reeling is also producing. Drop a spoon, jig or dead herring through the school and reel it back up to trigger a reaction bite and help keep the fish fired up under the boat.
For more information on current locations, bait presentation, leader length and power reeling, read the complete August Lake Lanier Striper Fishing Report.
Get out there and catch ’em up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has the Lake Lanier striper pattern changed this week?
A: There has not been much change in the pattern. Most stripers are still holding on creek and river channels in approximately 90–120 feet of water from Big Creek to the dam.
Q: How deep should I fish my downlines?
A: Downlines may need to be fished anywhere from 30 to 80 feet deep. Let your electronics tell you where the fish are holding before deciding how deep to place your bait.
Q: Should I use downlines or troll for Lake Lanier stripers?
A: Use downlines when you find a good concentration of fish under the boat. If you are marking scattered individual fish, trolling may be the better choice because it allows you to cover more water. Read our complete guide on How to Downline for Stripers on Lake Lanier.
Q: How often should I change my herring?
A: Check your herring frequently and replace any bait that is no longer lively. Herring will not last long in the less-oxygenated water at or below the thermocline.
Q: What speed should I use for lead-core trolling?
A: Trolling at approximately 2.5–3 mph allows you to cover water and present your bait to more scattered fish.
Q: What should I use for lead-core trolling?
A: A 1.5-ounce Striper Tackle Super Spin Shad in white/white or chartreuse/chartreuse glitter pulled seven to nine colors back is a good option. A Hawg Spoon on a lead-core setup can also produce.
Q: Is power reeling working on Lake Lanier?
A: Yes. Drop a spoon, jig or dead herring through the school and reel it back up to trigger reaction bites and help keep the fish active under the boat.